Sask. NDP calls on province to ask military for help in 4th wave of COVID-19
The Saskatchewan NDP says it’s time for the province to consider asking the Canadian military for help as COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise.
There are 265 COVID-19 patients in hospital as of Wednesday, marking the fourth consecutive day the province has broke its hospitalization record.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority announced the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon has started accepting adult patients under the age of 40 to try and manage provincial ICU capacity.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 78 of the province’s 101 ICU beds were full and two adult COVID-19 patients were in the PICU.
The call comes as Alberta begins working with the federal government on plans to use military resources to transfer COVID-19 patients out of province, if necessary.
The NDP said troops can assist in a number of ways, like contact tracing, testing and on the frontlines.
“It can be providing medical support, ICU support for medical nurses but it can also be logistical support to put troops on the ground to just have extra bodies,” said Vicki Mowat, NDP health critic.
The province said it is in regular contact with the federal government about the pandemic response. And while it has asked for additional rapid test kits, there have been no other requests for federal support.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.